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why do we need to study history

If you are hungry for finding out about the past, History may be the subject for you. If you still need some persuading, why not look at this list of reasons to study History: 1. Transferable skills Studying History provides a student with skills which are not confined to the study of the past. Skills of analysis are invaluable in many jobs, and the ability to analyse and then prioritise information is vital to decision making. This not only provides a skill set for a student but it also keeps career options open. P 2. History is relevant There is a stigma attached to History that it is based entirely in the distant past, but this does not account for the huge amount of modern history which is studied in such depth. In order to make sense of current affairs it is important to study the past, as everything which is happening around us has been influenced by, and is a direct result of, that which preceded it.

In this way, the study of History is explicitly relevant to us. P 3. A History degree is an investment in your future If studied at an esteemed university, a degree in History can be an impressive and attractive feature on a CV. As seen on our History Subject Table, Graduate Prospects in the Top 10 UK universities for History are generally high. P Check out our 4. Combined CoursesP Like many degrees, History can be easily combined with a number of other subjects. From HistoryPand Mathematics, to History and MusicPand even HistoryPand Chinese, the range of joint honours available is seemingly endless. P Use ourP to find joint degrees 5. A degree in History encourages independenceP A degree in History endorses independence in young people. The typically few contact hours offered by a History degree enable students to lead their own inquiries into the past, while still offering the reassurance of a lecturer who can support and help develop potential theories or lines of thought.

Knowledge is not just handed over at degree level; it requires hard work, and in a subject dominated by reading, students will develop self-sufficiency and become less dependent pupils. P 6. Studying History provides cultural awareness By looking at the history of different cultures, a History student can build up a better understanding of why certain peoples act the way they do. Looking at the history of the USA we can see why race tensions continued on past the abolition of slavery and arguably remain today. In reading the history of India we can see why the Caste system still remains in the subcontinent. By studying at the various tributaries of humanity, a broad cultural awareness is yours for the taking. 7. A History degree allows us to learn from the past If you are to look at human history there are particular patterns which tend to repeat themselves.

Whether it is the role of charismatic dictators like Caesar through to Hitler, or the significance of Religion in human conflict, humans have an astounding habit of ignoring the obvious contributing factors which can lead to war and oppression. It is then the job of the Historian to identify where we have been going wrong, comment on it, and attempt to avoid it in the future. Next page: The study of history is important because it allows one to make more sense of the current world. One can look at past economic and cultural trends and be able to offer reasonable predictions of what will happen next in today's world. One can also understand why some rules exist in the modern world. For example, one can understand the importance of the social welfare programs if one looks at the Great Depression and New Deal. We can also look back on the Civil Rights movement and see why the United States puts so much effort into creating a system where everyone is equal before the law and has equal access to public amenities.

History also allows us to see how the United States gradually created the Constitution after it had just fought a war against a central government that did not care for colonial interests. Without a background in history, one does not appreciate why the Constitution was revolutionary for its time. More broadly, history enables us to understand different cultures. If those are not good reasons for studying history, one can study history because it allows one to exercise his/her critical thinking skills. These critical thinking skills are important for all areas in life, academic and otherwise. Historians also write a great deal; a study of history allows one to practice writing for different audiences.